SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
Persons handling hazardous substances must be instructed on the hazards of the substance, and the means of protecting themselves, others and the environment from
exposure to the substance.
2.
A hazardous substance must not be used in a workplace unless a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available.
3.
A hazardous substance is defined as one which can cause physiological harm to persons, or harm to property or the environment.
Task sequence
Identified hazards in task
1. Safety Data Sheet Register
Exposure to hazardous
substances

2. Storage

Fire
Spills and leaks

Hazards to the environment

3. Labelling

SWP11 City of Darwin

Exposure to hazardous
substances

Key processes to be followed

Obtain a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each substance to be used in
a workplace before the substance is first used.
The SDS must provide detailed information about the name of the substance
(including ingredients in mixtures, health hazard information, precautions for
use and safe handling of the substance).
Provide a register which contains a SDS for each substance together with a
risk assessment in each area where a substance is used.
Chemical storage areas are to be well ventilated, and provided with flameproof lighting where significant quantities of flammable materials are stored.
Provide bunds or other methods of preventing the spread of spilt or leaked
liquids.
Provide adequate means to contain and clean up spills and leaks in each area
where liquids are stored. Neutralising agents should be readily available for
substances such as acids.
Dispose of spillage only as directed on the MSDS.
Store dangerous goods in compliance with local dangerous goods
regulations, and provide appropriate placards where quantities stored exceed
minimum quantities requiring placarding to be provided.
Containers of hazardous substances should be clearly labelled with the trade
name of the substance, the chemical name(s) of the ingredient(s), possible
harmful effects, safe handling precautions, and the appropriate dangerous
goods class label or poisons label.
Containers used to transfer substances during a work process should be
identified with the name of the substance while containing the substance.
Tanks and Intermediate Bulk Containers which are identified with a
dangerous goods placard do not require to be labelled unless the substance is
to be used in the workplace.

Review 1/12/2014

Precautions / PPE required

Ensure that the SDS is the correct
one for the substance actually
being used in the workplace, and
is current. Replace SDSs every 5
years. Registers must be clearly
labelled and be readily available.
No smoking or ignition sources
in or near storage areas.
Personal protective equipment
as specified in the SDS for a
substance must be readily
available in case of a spill or leak.
Follow local environmental
protection requirements.
Prevent unauthorised entry into
areas where dangerous goods are
stored or handled.
Ensure that labels are clearly
visible on all containers.

Ensure that correct label is fixed to

container. (Note a label should
remain on the container until it is
cleaned of all harmful residue).

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SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Task sequence
4. Handling

Identified hazards in task

Exposure to hazardous
substances

Fire and explosion

5. Disposal

Hazards to the environment

6. Emergency procedures

Exposure to hazardous
substances or by-products

Key processes to be followed

Instruct all persons handling chemicals on the hazards of the substance, and
the means of protecting themselves from the substance.
Provide suitable respiratory, eye and body protection to all persons who are
likely be exposed to a substance if adequate ventilation cannot be
maintained, or if the substance poses an immediate risk to health.
Eliminate and prevent all ignition sources from areas where hazardous
substances are handled.
Use earthing straps to prevent buildup of static electricity.
If applicable, neutralise spilt material with suitable neutralising agent.
Place all waste and used substances in suitable containers labelled with the
name and class of the substance.
Dispose of waste substance at an approved chemical disposal facility.
Do not allow substances to enter drains or watercourses.
Procedures to remove persons who may be affected to a safe place must be
provided where a spill or leak could result in a risk to health and safety.
Train all persons in the implementation of emergency procedures.
Clearly display emergency services contacts in areas where an emergency
could arise.
Emergency shower and eye-wash facilities must be provided in areas where
an exposure is likely to occur.
Suitable first aid facilities should be readily available in case of exposure.

Precautions / PPE required

Provide specific safe handling
instructions for each substance.
Wear respirator, eye protection,
body protection, liquid-proof
gloves as required by SDS.
No smoking or ignition sources in
areas where hazardous substances
are handled.
Provide suitable containers for the
disposal of waste substances.
Do not dispose of in landfill unless
authorised to do so by the relevant
environmental authority.
Provide alternative emergency
assembly areas where the areas
may be affected by wind-borne
substance

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions should be
observed, and suitable safety and warning
signs as indicated should be displayed in
areas where hazardous substances are
stored, handled or used.

SWP11 City of Darwin

Review 1/12/2014

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